The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has identified locations in two U.S. cities as “Innovation Zones” to test new and advanced wireless technologies in real-world settings.
According to a Public Notice, the OET has designated an area of approximately 1/10th of a square mile in the upper portion of Manhattan in New York City, and three connected areas encompassing about 4 square miles in St. Lake City, Utah. These zones will enable developers to test and experiment with new wireless devices, communications techniques, networks, systems and services, all in support of the eventual deployment of a nationwide wireless ecosystem.
The concept behind the Innovations Zones project is based on a proposal from the Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) program and will be funded by the National Science Foundation and a consortium of 30 technology and telecommunications companies. The zones in New York and St. Lake City have been established for a period of five years, which may be renewed upon request.
Read the FCC’s Public Notice on the OET’s Innovation Zones project.
